News Summary
Residents in South Carolina, brace for severe weather! A thunderstorm watch has been issued, predicting 80% chance of storms and winds up to 58 mph. It’s crucial to stay updated and seek shelter if thunderstorms arise. The weather threat peaks tonight and could extend into tomorrow.
Attention, South Carolina Residents: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Alert!
Hey there, folks in South Carolina! Buckle up because the weather is about to get a bit wild. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a severe thunderstorm watch at precisely 12:54 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2025. So, keep your ears open and your umbrellas handy!
Understanding the Watch
This watch is in effect until 8 p.m. and includes several counties in the region, such as Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union, and York. If you’re in any of these areas, it’s time to pay attention to the sky.
What to Expect
As we head into the evening, get ready for a chance of thunderstorms! The chance of rain and storms sits at a solid 80%! You might experience strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching up to 58 mph or even higher. And don’t be surprised if you see hail—there’s a chance of it reaching one inch or even a quarter inch in areas north of I-85.
It’s worth noting that as thunderstorms roll in, the chances of lightning increase significantly. In the United States alone, about 25 million lightning strikes occur yearly, with many during the summertime. Sadly, these storms lead to approximately 20 fatalities per year, according to statistics from the NWS. So please, if you hear thunder, it’s essential to seek shelter indoors!
Advice for Residents
Residents are encouraged to stay on top of weather updates and take the necessary precautions during this time. If you have furry friends, it’s wise to bring them inside or keep a close eye on them if they must stay outdoors. The best place for you is in a sturdy building—stay away from windows!
The Hours of Concern
Forecasters suggest that the severe storm threat will peak between 6 p.m. and midnight tonight. If that weren’t enough, the chance for severe weather is not just limited to today. On Saturday, May 9, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms will still be around with about a 50% chance of rain.
What’s Happening Tomorrow
As we move into the weekend, it looks like things will start to settle down, with minimal precipitation chances on May 10. However, don’t let your guard down just yet—an updated severe thunderstorm watch was also issued Saturday morning at 8:22 a.m. for Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, and Union counties, remaining in effect until noon.
Warnings in Effect
On that same Saturday, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued earlier in the day at 6:37 a.m. for Cherokee and Spartanburg counties until 7 a.m. Strong wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail were anticipated in areas like Cliffside, Cowpens National Battlefield, Lake Bowen, and more.
Drive Safely!
One last thing—if you’re out on the roads during these storms, exercise caution. Hydroplaning can become a risk when water builds up in front of your tires. This leads to lost control and can turn any drive into a slippery situation, so keep a safe distance and drive carefully!
Stay safe out there, South Carolina! We’ll keep you posted as the weather unfolds. Let’s hope for clearer skies soon!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Alert: Strong Storms Approaching Central NC
Thunderstorm Alerts Create Concerns in Greenwood County
Greenwood County Hit by Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Stormy Friday Ahead for Western North Carolina
Thunderstorms Set to Hit Greenwood County, SC
Teenagers Arrested in Greenwood Shooting Incident
Flood Advisory Issued for Columbia, Georgia
Brush Fires Prompt Evacuations in North and South Carolina
Flood Warnings Issued Across DMV and South Carolina Due to Heavy Rainfall
Severe Thunderstorms Threaten South Carolina Counties
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Watch South Carolina
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Charlotte Observer
- Google News: South Carolina Severe Weather
